A Parliamentary panel has suggested a policy of ‘staggered working hours’ or ‘work at home’ to encourage women employees who are under-represented in the Government sector.

Women constitute only 10.04 per cent of the total employees, as per the 2012 census of Government employees. For instance, in the Railways, the biggest employer in the country, the proportion of women employees is only 6.43 per cent, while in defence, it is about 11.77 per cent, says the 62nd report of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women in Government Employment.

However, the panel lauded the efforts being made by some public sector firms, such Oil India Ltd and Shipping Corporation of India.

During its discussions with various organisations, the committee, headed by Shantaram Naik, found household responsibilities as one of the major reasons for attrition among women employees.

It said the Government should issue instructions to each organisation to ensure that in the event of a woman employee submitting her resignation, an informal exit interaction is facilitated to ascertain the reason and to counsel her.

The panel also felt that collective bargaining was important and there was need for women negotiators in labour unions, especially while holding bipartite, industrial agreements.

“Less representation in decision-making positions has a major impact on their (women) ability to demand and transform their work environment,” said the report, which was presented to both Houses of Parliament on August 30.

> aditi.n@thehindu.co.in

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